Surf: Deepest into Donegal Bay, Rossnowlagh is always smaller and less powerful than surrounding breaks, with friendly rolling close-out walls and lines of whitewash perfect for the fleets of beginners that frequent the 3km strand. Occasionally has some nice peelers and is often the only option in big, onshore swells. The south end rip can hold up some lefts and rights and it's always better from mid to high. Environment: As famous for its place in Irish surf history as it is for its waves. Check out the memorabilia clad walls of the Surfers Bar or Smugglers to meet some Irish legends. Lessons and hire available. Surf: General: If you are on a family holiday, taking the kids or the dog surfing, or want to go surfing for the first time, Rossnowlagh is one of the best places to go in Ireland. A long, flat beached strand, it has kilometers of slow, well formed, unintimidating peaks. Tends to close out a low tide so it's best to surf from mid tide on up if you're good enough to angle right and left. Great fun for an expert longboarder, SUP'er or any other craft you can think of. On a good day there are all sorts out there. Smiles abound. Apres surf ice cream for the kids and pints for adults. Relax when you get here. it's a proper beach day. Tides: Mid to high Size: Knee to head high. Wind: E Swell: SW-NW Bottom: Sand. Paddling: Most days you end up walking around the sand. Watch the weeverfish. Not much paddling here unless you catch a lot of waves. Spot Rating: A staple learning wave plus surprisingly fun for more advanced surfers with clean conditions and a higher tide. Access: Parking in town lot. Walk onto beach. Parking is allowed on beach itself but is not recommended. High tide has drowned many a tourists, and sometimes forgetful locals' cars. Crowds: Crowd Factor: A city of surfers on a sunny weekend day. Crowd is well spread out. Local Vibe: Kid friendly. Happy-go-lucky. Beach day vibes. Environment: Very clean. Hazards: Watch for rip on the south end by the cliff. Weaverfish are common so keep those feet up. Season: Breaks all year round, surfable in all but the biggest swells and the flattest oceans.